FactSheet Search and Rescue Operations Following a catastrophe, rescue workers and emergency responders are the first to arrive on the scene, often in unfamiliar surroundings and adverse weather con- ditions, ready to save lives and secure the environment to help protect the lives of those to follow. Rescue workers and emergency responders may be involved in emergency medical operations involving victim rescue or body recovery around piles of rubble and other debris, collapsed structures or near structural steel.

Potential Hazards for Rescue Workers protection including latex and nitrile gloves and Emergency Responders (powder-free latex gloves with reduced latex • Exposure to blood or body fluids, or protein content can help avoid reaction to pathogens from sewer system breaks. latex allergies). These gloves can be worn under heavy-duty gloves which will, in turn, • Damaged utility services, including downed protect the wearer from cuts, puncture electrical cables, overhead power lines, broken wounds, or other injuries that break the skin gas lines, steam and water mains, or com- (caused by sharp environmental debris or pressed gas cylinders. bone fragments). A combination of a cut-proof • Piles of construction and other types of debris, inner layer glove and a latex or similar outer including over-hanging debris. layer is preferable. • Airborne smoke and dust (asbestos, crystalline • Foot Protection. Footwear should similarly silica, etc.) and possible eye and skin injuries protect against sharp debris. from dust and flying debris. • Respiratory Protection. Use respiratory pro- • Confined spaces (limited openings from entry tection to combat effects from breathing dust or exits), possible hazardous atmospheres, and hazardous atmospheres which might con- including possible flammable or toxic environ- tain some, or all, of the following: freon, car- ments. bon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, asbestos, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and welding gases. • Slips, trips or fall hazards from holes, protrud- ing rebar, etc. • Hearing protection. Hearing protection is extremely important, particularly around saws, • Dangers due to proximity to heavy machinery, earth-moving equipment and hydraulic tools. e.g., cranes, loaders, debris-hauling trucks, etc. • Eye Protection. Protective eyewear (safety • Handling a variety of sharp, jagged materials. glasses with side shields, at a minimum), is • Potential for secondary collapse of unstable necessary personal protective equipment. structures. • Fall Protection Equipment. Use fall protection • Excessive noise from rescue/ventilation or equipment, with lifelines tied off to suitable other heavy equipment, including generators. anchorage points (e.g., bucket trucks), whenev- er possible. General Precautions Other Considerations Personal Protective Equipment • Be aware of electrical and gas hazards, e.g., • Hand Protection. When handling potentially downed wires and cables or broken gas lines. infectious materials, use appropriate barrier Incident commanders should be notified before continuing. • If working in confined spaces, ensure that at full face respirators with P-100 organic least one person remains outside the space to vapor/acid gas combination cartidges if air- monitor operations and assist in an evacua- borne contaminants are causing eye irritation. tion, if necessary. Reliable communications • Emergency responders should wear high-visi- and rescue equipment, along with functioning bility and/or retro-reflective garments or vests alarm systems, are imperative. to assure that they are readily identifiable by • Watch for heavy equipment operation, includ- other rescue and support workers. ing the swing radius for cranes and other • Decontamination of workers and equipment equipment with arms. Each piece of heavy before leaving the site is important to prevent equipment should have a spotter when operat- adverse health effects, contain any hazards to ing near emergency responders and skilled the site, and prevent secondary contamination support workers. of off-site facilities (e.g., fire stations or work- er’s homes) or additional equipment (e.g., Recommendations ambulances). • Monitor for signs of heat/cold stress, such as altered vital signs, confusion, excessive sweat- Additional Information ing, and fatigue. Adjust work schedules, rotate • For more information, visit OSHA’s Web site at personnel, and add additional workers to work www.osha.gov. teams. Refrain from food and beverages in areas exposed to toxic materials. • The National Fire Protection Association (http://www.nfpa.org) has issued a standard on • N-95 or greater respiratory protection is protective clothing and equipment suitable for acceptable for most activities with dust expo- the urban search and rescue environment. sure, including silica and cement dust. Use

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

For more complete information:

U.S. Department of Labor www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA

DSTM 9/2005